5 Health Benefits of Chia Seeds

Like other nuts and seeds, chia seeds are full of proteins, fiber and omega 3 fatty acids. Take a look at the extraordinary benefits of these seeds and why they are considered by nutritionists as one of the best foods around:

The top 5 health benefits of chia seed

1. Chia seeds contain essential minerals, anti-oxidants and vitamins in much higher amounts than other nuts, seeds and grains. Chia seeds contain more calcium than a glass of milk, twice the potassium that bananas have and three times the iron in spinach.

Chia seeds have more antioxidants than blueberries. Antioxidants prevent free radicals from damaging cells in your body, helping to prevent heart disease and cancer. In addition, antioxidants help keep your skin wrinkle free and looking young.

2. Chia seeds help to control the rate at which your body turns the food you eat into glucose. The gel they produce inside your stomach slows down the conversion of carbohydrates, leaving you feeling satisfied with a constant source of energy instead of having a spike in energy followed by a crash.

With the rise in diabetes, and knowing that diabetes can have long-term complications, managing blood sugar levels is crucial for anyone — even if you are not diabetic.

3. Chia seeds are a natural addition to the diet of anyone trying to lose weight. The nutritional qualities the seeds contain can boost your energy levels which will encourage you to be more active. Used sensibly, chia seeds are an ideal tool and can be a great support for your weight loss plan.

4. High in soluble and insoluble fibres, chia seeds help to maintain a clean and healthy digestive tract. The seeds absorb a lot of water and turn into a gel which keeps the colon hydrated and permits easy movement. This is essential to eliminate toxins on a regular basis and maintain overall health.

5. Chia seeds help to keep the body hydrated, because of the large amount of water they can absorb. They give prolonged hydration and retain electrolytes. This makes them an ideal food for athletes, runners and anyone who likes to exercise on a regular basis.

Where does chia seed come from

Chia seeds come from a flowering plant that is a member of the mint family. However, it does not taste like mint at all: in fact, it is almost tasteless. This makes it easy to incorporate in your diet by simply adding them to dishes you have prepared. They can be eaten raw as a shack, but here are some easy ways to include them in your diet:

• Sprinkle in to porridge, cereal, puddings, salads and pasta

• Add them in to the dough and batter of cakes, breads, biscuits and pancakes

• Soak in water or juice and drink

• Add to your smoothies.
About the Author:
This guest post is contributed by Zara, a Guest blogger from UK. She has written many articles on health, nutrition and finance. Apart from blogging she does research on ppi claims . Catch her @financeport